The stage is set for a thrilling opening night clash at Crypto.com Arena, where the Golden State Warriors will face off against a Los Angeles Lakers team that has thrown a curveball into the mix. With LeBron James sidelined to start the season due to sciatica, the Lakers have announced a surprising, undersized starting lineup that plays right into the Warriors’ hands, potentially reshaping the dynamics of Tuesday’s season opener.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers will roll out the same starting five that took the floor in their final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. Veteran guard Gabe Vincent steps into LeBron’s spot, joining Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. This lineup is notably smaller than the Lakers’ traditional frontcourt-heavy configurations, a shift that could give Warriors coach Steve Kerr a strategic edge as he finalizes his own starting lineup.
The Lakers’ decision to go small aligns perfectly with Golden State’s preference for a fast-paced, small-ball style—a hallmark of their success in recent years. Kerr now faces an intriguing dilemma: stick with a smaller lineup featuring Draymond Green at center, which proved dominant after last season’s All-Star break, or leverage the team’s newfound size advantage with veteran free agent addition Al Horford. The Warriors experimented with a small-ball unit in their preseason opener against the Lakers, but that lineup’s viability is in question with Moses Moody listed as doubtful for Tuesday due to a calf injury.
The Lakers’ smaller lineup could spell trouble defensively, particularly with the backcourt trio of Doncic, Reaves, and Vincent. While Vincent has earned his starting role with a scorching preseason—averaging over 16 points and 3.0 assists while shooting an impressive 55.6% (15-of-27) from three-point range—his lack of size compared to LeBron could be a liability. Vincent’s standout performance, including 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc in Friday’s 117-116 preseason loss to the Kings, shows he’s in top form. Still, the Warriors’ dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler could exploit the Lakers’ defensive vulnerabilities.
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Curry has been in scintillating form during the preseason, averaging 24 points in under 30 minutes across his last two games against the Portland Trail Blazers and L.A. Clippers. Meanwhile, Butler, a six-time All-Star, is expected to return from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the final three preseason games. His presence adds another layer of intrigue to what could be an offensive shootout, given the Lakers’ defensive concerns with their new-look lineup.
Without Moody, the Warriors’ primary defensive option for Doncic, Kerr may need to get creative. The absence of Moody could force Golden State to rethink their small-ball approach or lean on their depth to counter the Lakers’ speed and shooting. However, the Lakers’ lack of size could allow the Warriors to dominate the paint or control the tempo, giving them a chance to dictate the game’s flow.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be a high-octane opener, the Lakers’ bold move to go small hands the Warriors a golden opportunity. Will Kerr capitalize on this unexpected advantage with a lineup tailored to exploit Los Angeles’ weaknesses? Or will Vincent and the Lakers’ new starting five catch Golden State off guard with their speed and shooting? One thing is certain: Tuesday’s battle at Crypto.com Arena will be a must-watch spectacle, with both teams poised to set the tone for their 2025-26 campaigns.